Limestone-Graveyard Creeks Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment

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0 540 Project Beneficiary Profile: The economy of the watershed is based on irrigated agriculture. The 1989 per capita income for the area was $9,500, whereas the Colorado per capita income was $14,800 for the same period. The population within the watershed is 74 White, 24% Hispanic, and 2% other with an average age of 34. The average age of a Colorado resident is 29. The November 1994 unemployment rate for Bent and Prowers, CO was 4i which compares with 3.5% for Colorado. The median house value for the watershed is $32,700 compared to the state median value of $82,700. Wetlands: Type I - less than 90 Ac. Type III - approximately 844 Ac. Type V - approximately 73 Ac. Type VI /VII - approximately 2,300 Ac. Nearly all the wetlands are along the Arkansas River, the creeks, and drains. There will be no net loss of wetland values. Flood Plains: The floodplain along the Arkansas River will not be significantly affected by the project. Highly erodible cropland: There are 44,500 acres of HEL lands in the watershed. Endangered Species - known range for the following: Black- Footed Ferret, Bald Eagle, Whooping Crane Piping Plover, Least Tern Eskimo Curlew Cultural Resources Sites* 1. Santa Fe Trail; Eligible for NRHP 2. West Bent Signature; Eligible for NRHP 3. Rock Art; Eligible for NRHP - 4. Bents New Fort; Eligible for NRHP 5. Fort Wise; Eligible for NRHP 6. Prowers Bridge 4A; on HRHP Register *None are in the irrigated area that work is anticipated. Problem Identification Major problems identifed in the watershed are: poor water quality in the Arkansas River as well as in surface and groundwater in the watershed, poor irrigation water management, and excessive irrigation induced erosion to the irrigated cropland. 2